The company says that the reader allows firms to implement multi-factor authentication for computers, BlackBerry smartphones and public key infrastructure (PKI) applications.
The reader uses Bluetooth 2.0 personal area network technology with advanced AES-256 encryption to enable secure pairing and communications between the reader, the BlackBerry smartphone, the computer and PKI applications.
According to company officials, the new model is a lightweight, wearable card reader that enables proximity controlled access to a user's BlackBerry smartphone and computer.
Weighing in at 64 grams (2.26 ounces) the unit is billed as being highly wearable and also features a large display plus backlighting for easier viewing.
RIM officials said that IT administrators can configure settings to allow handset passwords to work only if the BlackBerry smart card reader is within range.
These settings, the company explained, add another layer of protection on top of the handset password - and will also be enforceable where a secondary password is required to unlock encrypted data on the handset.
Announcing the new smart card reader, Scott Totzke, vice president of the BlackBerry Security Group with RIM, said the unit provides security-conscious organisations with another powerful tool for controlling access to computers and BlackBerry smartphone.